Montreal, Quebec, Canada, July 2026 — Velan Inc. has announced the appointment of Rishi Sharma as President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition as the company enters its next phase of growth. Since joining Velan in 2022, Rishi has played an instrumental role in strengthening the organization’s financial and operational foundation while guiding several transformative strategic transactions. His leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the business position him to lead Velan as it continues to expand its presence across global industrial markets.
Rishi joined Velan Inc. in 2022 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he successfully strengthened the company’s financial discipline, enhanced operational performance, and played a central role in executing strategic initiatives that reshaped the business. His contributions were particularly significant during a pivotal period that included the announced sale of Velan’s controlling interest to funds managed by Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc. As President and CEO, he will now oversee the company’s long-term growth strategy, operational excellence, and continued innovation across its global operations.
Before joining Velan, Rishi served as Vice President Finance – Services Product Line at Alstom, where he provided strategic financial leadership for one of the company’s major global business segments. Prior to that, he spent more than 12 years at Bombardier, holding progressively senior leadership positions including Head of Strategic Finance, Financial Planning & Performance and Cash Management, Director of Finance and Head of Group Financial Planning & Performance Management, Head of Finance – Pilot and Technical Training Business, and Manager, Corporate Risk and Audit. Throughout his tenure, he led financial planning, transformation initiatives, business performance management, SAP implementation, corporate finance, and risk management across international operations.
Earlier in his career, Rishi worked with Deloitte, where he gained extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate audit, and financial advisory services for large public companies. His strong foundation in finance, strategy, corporate governance, and business transformation has enabled him to build a distinguished leadership career spanning manufacturing, transportation, industrial engineering, and financial services.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Rishi will lead Velan through its next stage of growth, supported by its new majority shareholders. With the company’s longstanding reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, and safety, he will focus on expanding Velan’s presence across key industries including energy, natural resources, defense, power generation, and industrial manufacturing while continuing to deliver value to customers and stakeholders worldwide.
About Velan Inc.
Founded in 1950 by renowned inventor and entrepreneur A.K. Velan, Velan Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial steel valves, recognized globally for engineering excellence, innovation, and product quality. The company serves mission-critical industries including power generation, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, mining, pulp and paper, cryogenic applications, shipbuilding, and defense with one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolios of industrial valve solutions.
With decades of engineering expertise, Velan designs and manufactures advanced valve technologies that deliver reliability, operational efficiency, environmental performance, and safety in demanding industrial environments. Supported by continuous innovation and precision manufacturing, the company remains committed to helping customers achieve operational excellence across critical infrastructure worldwide.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
